Device and method for transport and storage

ABSTRACT

A journal transport and storage device for moving, transporting and storage of a pulverizer journal assembly is provided. The device includes a base and a frame extending from the base defining a shaped configuration to support at least a portion of the pulverizer journal assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a transport and storage device for amechanical device, and, more particularly, to transport and storagedevice for a pulverizer or a pulverizer journal assembly.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Typically, pulverizers or parts thereof, such as journal assemblies,need to be disassembled in order to be easily shipped to manufacturingfacilities for maintenance activities. Once the maintenance activitiesare accomplished the disassembled journal assemblies are transportedfrom the manufacturing facilities to customers' sites in thedisassembled form. Once transported to customers' sites, the journalassemblies are reassembled for utilization or if not requiredimmediately stored at the customers' sites. Additionally, assembledpulverizers and/or journal assemblies must contain or be filled with oilduring storage to prevent bearing corrosion.

Repetitive assembly and disassembly of pulverizers and/or pulverizerjournal assemblies are quite cumbersome and time consuming processesdemanding significant man hours, and consequently, significant cost.Further, assembled pulverizers and pulverizer journal assembliescontaining or filled with oil require significant care at additionalcost during movement, transport and/or storage.

Therefore, pulverizers and/or pulverizer journal assemblies notrequiring repetitive disassembly and reassembly for movement,transportation and/or storage are needed. Likewise, pulverizers and/orpulverizer joint assemblies containing or filled with oil without oilleakage during movement, transportation and/or storage are needed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a device and a method of using thedevice for movement, transport and/or storage of pulverizers or partsthereof, such as journal assemblies, that reduce or eliminate thecurrent need for pulverizer and/or pulverizer journal assemblydisassembly and reassembly for movement, transport and/or storagethereof. The subject device and method likewise prevent or eliminatepulverizer and/or pulverizer journal assembly oil leakage associatedsuch movement, transport and/or storage. As such, the subject device andmethod reduce costs associated with pulverizer or pulverizer journalassembly movement, transportation and/or storage. For purposes ofclarity and simplicity the pulverizer or pulverizer parts, such as ajournal assembly, are hereinafter referred to simply as the “journalassembly”. The subject device and method are convenient to use,effective in reducing or eliminating repetitive disassembly andreassembly for movement, transportation and/or storage of the journalassembly, and effective in avoiding oil leakage from the journalassembly during movement, transport and/or storage.

In summary, the subject device and method provide for support andprotection of the journal assembly during movement, transport and/orstorage to prevent damage thereto. Specifically, the subject device andmethod are useful for movement, transport and/or storage of a journalassembly comprising a journal assembly shaft, a trunnion shaft and ajournal opening cover assembled to form a single unit that contains oris filled with a fluid such as oil to prevent bearing corrosion.

The subject device includes a base structure, a frame structureextending on the base structure to define a shaped configurationaccommodative to support at least a portion of the journal assembly withthe journal assembly shaft supported with a particular orientation onthe base structure. The device further includes a plurality of first andsecond resting members extending aligned and spaced from the framestructure to support the journal assembly. Specifically, the pluralityof first resting members and frame structure in combination support thejournal opening cover, and the plurality of second resting memberssupports the trunnion shaft. Additional features and advantages of thesubject device will be apparent from the following description andclaims.

The subject method includes arranging a journal assembly within a deviceformed by a base structure, a frame structure extending on the basestructure to define a shaped configuration accommodative to support atleast a portion of the journal assembly with the journal assembly shaftsupported in a particular orientation on the base structure, and aplurality of first and second resting members extending aligned andspaced from the frame structure to support the journal assembly,supporting the journal assembly within the device and supporting thejournal assembly shaft in an oil-leakage preventive orientation withinthe device for stable movement, transport and storage thereof. Further,in accordance with this method, using the plurality of first restingmembers and frame structure in combination to support the journalopening cover, and using the plurality of second resting members tosupport the trunnion shaft enables stable movement, transport andstorage thereof. Additional features and advantages of the subjectmethod will be apparent from the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the subject device is further describedin more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein likefeatures are identified with like reference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a transport and storage device inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the device and at least a portion of a journalassembly arranged therein for movement, transport and/or storage;

FIG. 2B is a back view of the device and at least a portion of a journalassembly arranged therein for movement, transport and/or storage; and

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the device and at least a portionof a journal assembly arranged therein for movement, transport and/orstorage taken along A-A of FIG. 2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 2A-C illustrate an example of the subject transport andstorage device 100 (herein after referred to as ‘device 100’). Thedevice 100 is useful for movement, transport and/or storage of apulverizer or pulverizer parts, such as a journal assembly 200. As notedpreviously herein, for purposes of clarity and simplicity the pulverizeror pulverizer parts, such as a journal assembly, are hereinafterreferred to simply as the “journal assembly” 200. The journal assembly200, may be conveniently and economically moved, transported and/orstored utilizing the device 100. As such, the subject journal assembly200 suitable for movement, transport and/or storage using device 100includes a journal assembly shaft 210, a trunnion shaft 220 and ajournal opening cover 230, each assembled together to form a singleunit.

The subject device 100 useful for movement, transport and/or storage ofjournal assembly 200 includes a base structure 120 (may also be referredto as base 120) and a frame structure 130 (may also be referred to asframe 130) extending from the base 120 to define a shaped configurationsupportive of at least a portion of the assembled journal assembly 200.

In accordance to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base 120includes a base plate 122 and a pair of spaced apart support channels124 disposed on the base plate 122. In one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the base 120 may be fabricated from carbon steel to provideadequate support and strength during movement, transport and/or storageof the journal assembly 200. However, without departing for the scope ofthe present disclosure base 120 may be made from any other material ofadequate strength and durability for the intended weight to be carriedthereby and duration of use, as known in the art.

Further, the frame 130 includes a plurality of horizontal frame members132 and a plurality of vertical frame members 138. The plurality ofhorizontal and vertical frame members 132, 138 may be fabricated fromcarbon steel bars to provide adequate support and strength to the frame130 for the intended weight carried thereby and duration of use.However, the plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members 132, 138may likewise be made from any other material of adequate strength anddurability for the intended weight to be carried thereby and duration ofuse, as known in the art.

One set of the plurality of horizontal frame members 132 are arrangedhorizontally to form an upper horizontal frame support 134. Similarly,another set of the plurality of horizontal members 132 are arrangedhorizontally to form a lower horizontal frame support 136. Such upperand lower frame supports 134, 136 are arranged in horizontal parallelplanes P1, P2, respectively, one above the other in a spacedrelationship with respect to each other. Between upper and lower framesupports 134, 136, the plurality of vertical frame members 132 arearranged and coupled thereto to form frame 130. The vertical framemembers 132 may be coupled to the upper and lower horizontal framesupports 134, 136 through welding, riveting, nut-bolt coupling, and thelike. However, such coupling may likewise be enabled utilizing any othermeans suitable for the subject weight and purpose, as known in the art.In one embodiment, supporting brackets 139 are utilized for increasedsupport to strengthen the overall frame 130.

The frame 130 formed by the plurality of horizontal and vertical framemembers 132, 138 is of a shape supportive of the journal assembly 200 orat least the portion thereof. The frame 130 may be square, rectangular,parallelogram, quadrangle and of any other similarly shaped structuresupportive of the journal assembly 200 or at least the portion thereoffor stable movement, transport and/or storage use. In another exemplaryembodiment, the frame 130 may be unitarily formed by a suitabletechnique, such as molding, casting, or the like, to form a supportiveshaped structure such as that disclosed above, to support the journalassembly 200 during movement, transport and/or storage. Suitablematerials for such unitarily formed frame 130 include for example carbonsteel and like materials adequate in strength and durability for theintended weight to be carried thereby and duration of use, as known inthe art

The device 100 further includes a plurality of first 140 and second 150resting members arranged to extend from the frame 130 to support thejournal assembly 200 in the device 100 during movement, transport and/orstorage thereof. The plurality of first resting members 140 extend fromthe upper horizontal frame support 134. In one embodiment, the pluralityof first resting members 140 may be vertical bars 142. Each of thevertical bars 142 include a free end 144 with an angled supportingprojection 146 disposed thereon. In an exemplary embodiment, supportingprojection 146 may be angled A at approximately 45 degrees toapproximately 55 degrees from a plane P3 to be capable of supporting thejournal assembly.

Further, the plurality of second resting members 150, are arranged toextend from the upper horizontal frame support 134. In one embodiment,each of the second resting members 150 include brackets 152.

The plurality of first and second resting members 140, 150 are arrangedback to back on the upper horizontal frame support 134, wherein thefirst resting members 140 are of a length L1 greater than the length L2of the second resting members 150. The length L1 and L2 may varydepending upon specific journal assembly configurations.

The device 100 may also further include a plurality of liftingattachments 160 coupled to the frame 130 for moving the device 100. Inone embodiment, the lifting attachments 160 are provided on or securedto the upper horizontal frame support 134. Alternatively, liftingattachments 160 may be arranged at any desired locations over the frame130 adequate for the intended weight carried thereby, for the durationof use thereof and for the stable lifting and other moving of the device100.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2A to 2C, assembled journal assembly200 may be stably positioned within the device 100 using an overheadcrane or like equipment. As such, the journal opening cover 230 ispositioned at an angle Al of about 45° to about 55° from a centerline CLof the journal opening cover 230 flange surface 230 e and the journalassembly shaft 210. The journal assembly 200 is thereby supported by thefirst and second resting members 140, 150 of the device 100. Morespecifically, the first resting members 150 support a top elevatedportion 230 a of the journal opening cover 230 while the second restingmember 150 supports the trunnion shaft 220. The angle Al of the elevatedjournal opening cover 230 may be approximately 53° to ensure the journalopening cover 230 is aligned and secured with the first resting member140 and that the trunnion shaft 220 is aligned and secured with thesecond resting member 150. In order to protect the trunnion shaft 220during movement, transport and/or storage of device 100, two journaltrunnion shaft end cap covers 137 may optionally be placed on and usedfor protection of the trunnion shaft 220 during alignment and securingtrunnion shaft 220 to the second resting members 150, utilizingfasteners 170.

Further, in order to support the journal assembly 200 more securely, aportion 230 b of an elevated bottom end 230 c of the journal openingcover 230 is removably attached using fasteners 170 to the frame 130.Specifically, the upper horizontal frame support 134 includes extensions135 to removably attach the bottom end 230 c of journal opening cover230 utilizing fasteners 170. A plurality of angled supports 165 are alsoarranged at the corners 134 a of the upper horizontal frame support 134.As such, the bottom edge 230 d of the journal opening cover 230 issupported by the plurality of angled supports 165 at the corners 134 aand through extensions 135 at centerline CL of the journal assembly 200before lowering down the journal assembly 200 into device 100 for properalignment and support thereof within device 100.

While the journal assembly 200 is removably secured within device 100,the journal assembly shaft 210 remains free and unsupported in thedevice 100. In order to support the journal assembly shaft 210, aplurality of wooden, plastic or like shims 166 are provided between thejournal assembly shaft 210 and the base plate 122 to minimize movementof the journal assembly shaft 210 within device 100 and to relievestress on the trunnion shaft 220.

In order to prevent corrosion of bearings (not shown) of the journalassembly shaft 210, internal areas (not shown) of journal assembly shaft210 may be filled with and contain a fluid F, for example a corrosionpreventive fluid such as oil, during movement, transport and/or storage.The journal assembly shaft 210 may be oriented and supported verticallyduring movement, transport and/or storage to prevent fluid leakages atseals (not shown). The device 100 supports the assembled journalassembly 200 for movement, transport and/or storage thereof with thejournal assembly shaft 210 in a vertical orientation to prevent fluidleakage therefrom.

Furthermore, the pair of spaced support channels 124 provide side 210 dsupport to the vertically oriented journal assembly shaft 210 to preventleakage of fluid within a grinding roll 212 of the journal assemblyshaft 210 during movement, transport and/or storage. Additionally, thepair of spaced support channels 124 may be utilized to lift the device100 with the journal assembly 200 positioned therein. Specifically, afork (not shown) of a fork truck (not shown) may be inserted into thesupport channels 124 to lift the device 100 with the journal assembly200 therein for positioning within a transport vehicle (not shown) totransport the device 100 with the journal assembly 200 therein to adesired location. The device 100, with the journal assembly 200 therein,may be moved and/or lifted using either a fork truck or overhead cranes(not shown).

The subject method of using device 100 includes arranging a journalassembly 200 within the device 100 formed by a base 120, a frame 130extending on the base 120 to define a shaped configuration accommodativeto support at least a portion of the journal assembly 200 with thejournal assembly shaft 210 supported in a particular orientation on thebase 120, and a plurality of first and second resting members, 140, 150extending aligned and spaced from the frame 130 to support the journalassembly 200, supporting the journal assembly 200 within the device 100and supporting the journal assembly shaft 210 in a fluid-leakagepreventive orientation within the device 100 for stable movement,transport and storage thereof. Further, in accordance with this method,using the plurality of first resting members 140 and frame 130 incombination to support the journal opening cover 230, and using theplurality of second resting members 150 to support the trunnion shaft220 enables stable movement, transport and storage thereof. Thefluid-leakage preventative orientation of the journal assembly shaft 210is preferably a vertical orientation within device 100 and end capcovers 137 may be used to protect the trunnion shaft 220. Additionalfeatures and advantages of the subject method will be apparent from thefollowing description and claims.

The transport and storage device 100 and the method of using the sameprovides many significant advantages in terms of reducing effort andtime required for moving, transporting and/or storing the assembledjournal assembly 200 in a convenient and economical way. Hence, thesubject transport and storage device 100 significantly reduces costsassociated with the moving, transporting and/or storing the assembledjournal assembly 200. Additionally, the journal assembly 200 is loadeddirectly into the device 100 without requiring repositioning. Thetrunnion shafts 220 are well protected during movement, transport and/orstorage. The journal assembly shaft 210 is arranged in a verticalorientation when the journal assembly 200 is positioned within device100, allowing movement, transport and/or storage of the journal assemblyshaft 210 while filled with a fluid to prevent corrosion of bearingsuntil the journal assembly 200 is installed for use. The device 100meets all current government standards of width and height restrictionsto enable transport thereof by road. Various other advantages andfeatures of the present disclosure are apparent from the above detaileddescription and appendage claims.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the present disclosure and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present disclosure and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isunderstood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents arecontemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but suchare intended to cover the application or implementation withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claims of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A movement, transport and storage device for apulverizer journal assembly comprising: a device to support and protecta pulverizer or pulverizer journal assembly; the pulverizer journalassembly supported within the device comprising a journal assemblyshaft, a trunnion shaft and a journal opening cover assembled to form asingle unit; and the device comprising a base structure, a framestructure extending on the base structure to define a shapeconfiguration accommodative to support at least a portion of the journalassembly with the journal assembly shaft supported on the basestructure, and a plurality of first and second resting members alignedand spaced extending from the frame structure to support the journalassembly with the plurality of first resting members and frame structurein combination supporting the journal opening cover, and the pluralityof second resting members supporting the trunnion shaft.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises: a plurality ofhorizontal frame members arranged forming an upper horizontal framesupport and a lower horizontal frame support spaced apart from eachother; and a plurality of vertical frame members arranged between thespaced upper and lower horizontal frame supports to form a shapedconfiguration to support at least the portion of the journal assembly.3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal andvertical members are carbon steel bars.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein each first resting member of the plurality of first restingmembers comprises: a bar with a free end extending vertically from theupper horizontal frame support; and a supporting projection disposed onthe free end of the vertical bar.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein eachsecond resting member of the plurality of second resting memberscomprises: an angled bracket extending from the upper horizontal framesupport.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality offirst resting members is of greater length than that of each of theplurality of second resting members.
 7. The device of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of first resting members and the plurality of secondresting members of the device are angled at about 45° to about 55° froma plane P3 to support the journal assembly.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein an angle is set between a centerline CL of the journal openingcover and the journal assembly shaft at 53° to ensure the journalopening cover is aligned and secured with the first resting member andthat the trunnion shaft is aligned and secured with the second restingmember.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a baseplate to support the journal assembly shaft; and a pair of spacedsupport channels disposed on the base plate to side support of thejournal assembly shaft arranged vertically on the base plate to preventleakage of fluid therefrom.
 10. The device of claim 1 further comprisinga plurality of lifting attachments on the frame for movement, transportor storage of the device.
 11. A method of using a device for movement,transport and storage of a pulverizer or pulverizer part comprising:arranging a pulverizer or pulverizer part within the device formed by abase structure, a frame structure extending on the base structure todefine a shaped configuration accommodative to support at least aportion of the pulverizer or pulverizer part with a journal assemblyshaft of the pulverizer or pulverizer part supported in a fluid-leakagepreventive orientation on the base structure to prevent fluid leakagefrom the journal assembly shaft, and a plurality of first and secondresting members extending aligned and spaced from the frame structure tosupport the pulverizer or pulverizer part; supporting the pulverizer orpulverizer part within the device; and supporting the journal assemblyshaft in the fluid-leakage preventive orientation within the device forstable movement, transport and storage thereof.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the pulverizer part is a journal assembly comprising ajournal assembly shaft, a trunnion shaft and a journal opening covereach assembled together to form a single unit.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the fluid is a corrosion preventative fluid or oil.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising using the plurality of firstresting members and frame structure in combination to support a journalopening cover, and using the plurality of second resting members tosupport a trunnion shaft.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein thefluid-leakage preventive orientation of the journal assembly shaft is avertical orientation within the device.